Marcus Lattimore on playing in 2013: "I believe in myself"

Former Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore says he wants to be ready for the 2013 NFL season.

In an interview on the NFL Network's "NFL AM", Lattimore says that he's been rehabbing his injured knee in Pensacola, Florida for the past two months.

The star running back is recovering from an ACL tear back in October in the game against Tennessee.

"I'm feeling good. I'm jogging in the pool. I'll be jogging on land in two weeks, so it's a real exciting time," said Lattimore.

Lattimore's timeline to get back on the field of play has a lot of NFL scouts and reporters curious if he's being realistic.

"I believe in myself," said Lattimore, who is rehabbing with Dr. James Andrews, one of the nation's leading orthopaedic surgeons. "Dr. Andrews actually said, 'You're going to shock the world,'
so I quoted him. And I really do believe I'll be ready. I'm going at a
rate that I knew I could, and I feel great. When I start jogging and I
get a little bit stronger, I know it's game on then."

Lattimore has been spotted walking without a limp at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, and talking to NFL scouts about his chances in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The running back credited his faith and remaining positive throughout recovery.

Lattimore decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the draft in December. He left South Carolina with a school record for 38 rushing touchdowns and a school record for 41 total touchdowns.